KEN - Manipur Boston Convention 2014
Date : 26th to 27th July 2014

KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE NETWORK
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION On Heritage, Tourism & Information Technology
" BRANDING MANIPUR IN THE WORLD MARKET "

Background: India's 25 million strong expatriate population worldwide is the second largest diaspora in the world and India received a whopping 71 billion US dollar monetary contribution from its diaspora in 2013 in the form of remittances, the highest in the world. Bigger than the monetary contribution suspected is the huge skills and knowledge transfer back to India by her diaspora population which is a conglomerate of highly educated professionals, academicians and skilled workers etc. exposed to the varied and arguably the best socio-economic environments in the developed countries worldwide.

Spurred by the idea of tapping this huge resource inflow, India started organizing a global convention for diaspora called Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) every year since 2003. Subsequently the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) was established in the year 2004 with an elaborate paraphernalia of a multi-directional knowledge exchange mechanism for the expatriates and the domestic population for mutual progress.

As an outcome of the participation of a team of overseas Manipuri professionals from USA, UK and Ireland under the leadership of Mr. O. Nabakishore Singh, the then Principal Secretary (Industry), Government of Manipur in the PBD 2011, the idea of KEN (Knowledge Exchange Network) was conceived in tandem with some of the programs of MOIA.

Spearheaded by this team, a campaign was launched during the past three years to pool Manipuris in various professions from a number of countries like, Australia, Canada, Europe, USA, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, the Philippines and many more from India. And, the crowd is getting bigger as the campaign is being morphed into an organization.

KEN Boston Convention 2014 is a culmination aiming at consolidating the worldwide efforts of the Manipuri diaspora to create a permanent global platform for Exchange and Transfer of Knowledge and Skills amongst the worldwide population of Manipuri professionals for application in development of Manipur. An encouraging number of Manipuris from many countries have already confirmed participation in the Convention during July 26-27, 2014 in Boston, USA.

Delegates from some overseas Indian organizations will also be attending the convention. The Government of Manipur, which essentially will be a stakeholder and supporter in this movement is also expected to send some delegates to this convention.

Primary Objectives:

o To facilitate exchange of knowledge among professionals, organisations and state government departments between those within Manipur State and Outside the State
o To facilitate channelising financial contributions from Global Manipuris and other Global Organisations towards socio-economic projects within Manipur State
o To support promotion of brand 'Manipur' globally in terms of heritage, sport, tourism, education, and local trades through partnership with third party organisations and individuals
o To sponsor research studies to create strategic level policies and programmes that impacts the socio-economic development of Manipuris within Manipur State



Day 1: 26 July, Saturday 2014
Founding KEN-Manipur
Morning Session
8 -9 AM EST - Breakfast
9 - 11:30 AM EST - KEN's Road Map :
A presentation followed by discussions by KEN members
11:30 AM - 1 PM EST - Lunch
Evening Session
1 - 3 PM EST - Announcement for KEN Responsibilities : Organisational structure followed by speech and oath taking ceremonies.
5 - 9 PM EST - Reception at Host's house, dinner at the lawn
Venue: 10 Ryan Rd,
Shrewsbury MA 01545, USA

Day 2: 27 July, Sunday 2014
International Conference: Branding Manipur in the world Market : Tourism and IT as the key means.

Morning Session
8 -9 AM EST - Breakfast
9 - 10 AM - KEN inauguration, key note address by VIPs, Invitees and KEN president.
10 - 10:30 AM EST - Presentation on Tourism by KEN members.
10:30 - 11 AM EST - Break
11 - 11:30 AM EST - Presentation on Education by KEN members.
11:30 AM - 1 PM EST - Lunch Evening Session
1 - 1:30 PM EST - Presentation on IT by KEN members
1:30 - 2 PM EST - Presentation on Trade and Commerce by KEN members
2 - 2:30 PM EST - Presentation on Emergency Services by KEN members.
2:30 - 3 PM - Tea Break
3 - 7 PM EST -Question and Answer, net working and other discussions followed by Vote of Thanks by KEN General Secretary.
7 PM EST - Dinner

Venue: 5400 Computer Dr
Westborough MA 01581, USA